Epilepsy

By: AJ Wiley

Epilepsy

By: AJ Wiley

Lil Wayne has epilepsy

Epilepsy is a disease that affects the central nervous system that causes seizures that range from mild to severe. Seizures include loss of consciousness, convulsions, shaking, staring spell, and also temporary confusion. Anyone could have a seizure in their life unexplained or that is caused by injury or sickness. Epilepsy is having two or more unprovoked seizures.

Where does it affect?

It affects the central nervous system which will cause uncontrollable seizures, that usually are not provoked by anything. It affects the brain, sending the wrong signals to the brain which will cause seizures.

When?

Epilepsy is most common to kids in their first year and then the risk of it starts to go down as they get older. Around age 55 the risk increases because of strokes and brain tumors and among other diseases. Blows to the head or traumatic brain injury could also cause epilepsy.

Causes

There are not always known causes for epilepsy, but the usual cause is a brain injury, here are the other causes.

Low oxygen during birth

Head injuries

Infections

Stroke

Abnormal levels of substances in the body like sodium or blood sugar

Treatment

Epilepsy cannot be cured but there are some treatment options available for it such as..

Medications

Surgery

Devices

Dietary changes

Fun Facts

It is not contagious, you cant just catch it from someone else

You cant swallow your tongue during a seizure

Don't restrain the person, the seizure ends on its own in seconds or a few minutes, just make sure the person is ok and follow simple first aid guidelines